Meditating in the Shower

If you’re anything like me, you’ve read self-help books, and you know the tools you need to adopt a better lifestyle. If you’re anything like me, you also always fail to integrate these tools into your life for longer than a week or two. If you’re into bettering yourself but also have a short attention span and appreciate quick gratification, this is meant for you.

The concept is simple, combine things you already do day-in and day-out with the new habit you want to add into your routine. Instead of creating a whole new pattern, you are just adding in the new behavior while doing something you already do daily—like showering, driving, or brushing your teeth.

Here are some suggestions to work into your day to finally create the changes you've been wanting and #liveyourbestlife:

Meditating in the Shower

When taking a shower, instead of taking the time to think about the past or future, take a second to be present. The shower is one of the only places where we are phone-free and truly alone. Close your eyes and let the water flow over you and clear your mind. Try a minute, then three, then five, and incrementally work your way up. Since we are basically on auto-pilot in the shower, this is a good time contemplate your intentions for the day. Bonus if you can end the shower with a rush of cold water for a few seconds to get the blood flowing!

Affirmations & Brushing

We all know the value of positive self-talk but rarely take the time to appreciate ourselves. The two minutes in which you brush your teeth are a perfect time to look in the mirror and tell yourself how special you are and how much you love yourself. Will you feel silly at first? Probably! But it always feels funny when you first start saying "I love you to somebody. Try it out and watch your days become more positive.

Journal with a side of bacon.

In the morning, while you cook or make your coffee, take the free few minutes to journal instead of scrolling Instagram. Write on a whiteboard on your kitchen, notes on your phone, or old school pen and paper. Just 3 minutes while you eat or wait for the coffee is made could make a world of difference. Try prompts like, "Today I will..." or, "My vibe for the week is..." and see where it leads. Many times intentions that we aren't even fully conscious of come out via free writing.

Learn in the car.

Our commute is such a great time to learn and grow. With so many abundant streams of podcasts and audio libraries, the choice is really ours. Try a podcast on habit-forming, art trends, politics, positive thinking or anything else that interests you! Not only will this give you new talking points around others, but you'll feel more informed and thus more connected with the world around you. If you're feeling ambitious, download a language app. Many are free now, and you can literally pick up a second language just practicing a few minutes on your commute every day.

Gratitude at Work

Gratitude is so essential to living a fulfilled life. The more we appreciate, the more prone we are to giving and receiving. Set an hourly alarm during work hours or make a habit of expressing gratitude through the day. Make it a fun game; for instance, "Every time my phone rings today I will name something I am grateful for before answering," or, "Anytime I go to the bathroom I will name things I am grateful for from start to finish." These are fun challenges to really make you think and appreciate how much you truly have!

Cuisine Cooking

A fun and easy way to switch your routine is cooking something new. Google a cuisine you love but never cook at home and take on the challenge of trying to make it at home. If you have the means, try a meal kit; usually, these have a few different recipes and all the items are already contained in a box and delivered straight to you. This is also a wonderful opportunity to bond with your partner. New experiences draw us closer to the ones we love. Why not do it through something delicious?

Laundry Workout

Doing laundry is one of the best times for me to get a work out in. Random, I know, but think about it: You throw your clothes in and then you usually have an idle 20–30 minutes before you switch them to the dryer. Take these 20–30 mins from when the cycle begins to throw on a yoga video, go for a quick walk, stretch in the living room, play with your kid, or get intimate with your partner. A work out is any type of physical activity; it doesn't have to mean going to the gym or running a marathon.

Goodnight Moon

While getting ready for bed, take a moment to reflect on your day. Drift off to bed admiring all the things you did that made you feel content, and implement more of the feel-good things tomorrow! Healthy habits lead to transformation.